Heidelberg Catechism: 'What is required in the third commandment?'
LORD’S DAY 36
99. What is required in the third commandment?That we must not by cursing,1 or by false swearing,2 nor yet by unnecessary oaths,3 profane or abuse the name of God; nor even by our silence4 and connivance be partakers of these horrible sins in others; and in sum, that we use the holy name of God no otherwise than with fear and reverence,5 so that He may be rightly confessed6 and worshipped by us,7 and be glorified in all our words and works.8
1 Lev 24:10-17, 2 Lev 19:12; 3 Mt 5:37; Jas 5:12; 4 Lev 5:1; Prov 29:24; 5 Ps 99:1-5; Is 45:23; Jer 4:2; 6 Mt 10:32-33; Rom 10:9-10; 7 Ps 50:14-15; 1 Tim 2:8; 8 Rom 2:24; Col 3:17; 1 Tim 6:1
100. Is then the blaspheming of God’s name by swearing and cursing so grievous a sin that His wrath is kindled against those who do not seek, as much as they can, to prevent and forbid it?
Certainly,1 for no sin is greater or provokes God’s wrath than blaspheming His name. That is why He commanded it to be punished with death.2
1 Lev 5:1; 2 Lev 24:16
